Method of using gelled aqueous well treating fluids

ABSTRACT

Gelled aqueous fluids, solid blends for forming such fluids and methods of using the fluids for treating wells are provided. The gelled fluids are stable over a broad temperature range and are comprised of water, a first hydratable polymer for increasing the viscosity of the fluid to a desired level at temperatures within a first lower range and a second hydratable polymer for maintaining the viscosity of the fluid at temperature within a second higher range.

This is a division, of application Ser. No. 65,165, filed Aug. 9, 1979.

In the treatment of wells during and after they are drilled, it is often necessary to introduce fluids into the wells which are incompatible with each other and/or which are incompatible with other fluids in the wells. Heretofore, in such treatments, it has been common practice to separate the incompatible fluids with a spacer fluid which is compatible with both. For example, in cementing procedures carried out in wells, it is necessary and/or desirable to prevent contact of the cement composition with drilling fluid or mud in the well. Drilling fluids and other well treatment fluids commonly contain fluid loss, weighting and other materials which deposit on surfaces within the well (hereinafter referred to as "filter cake") and contaminate the cement composition whereby the set time, strength and bonding of the cement is adversely affected. Spacer fluids are utilized to prevent the cement composition from contacting the drilling fluid in the well and to remove filter cake from surfaces within the well. Such spacer fluids utilized heretofore have been relatively expensive to prepare and use, have inadequately removed filter cake from surfaces in the well and/or have contaminated one or both of the fluids separated thereby.

In other well treatments it is often necessary to introduce a treating fluid into the well having a viscosity high enough to suspend solid materials such as diverting agents, propping agents, weighting materials, scrubbing materials, etc., therein. While a variety of viscosity increasing agents have been utilized heretofore such as hydratable polymers, such agents generally degrade with increasing temperature and maintain the viscosity of the fluid at the desired level over only a limited temperature range. While complexing and cross-linking agents have been utilized to broaden the temperature range over which hydratable polymers maintain a desired viscosity level, the use of such complexing or cross-linking agents involves complex mixing techniques and is relatively expensive.

By the present invention improved aqueous well treating fluids are provided for use in treating wells which are viscosity stable over a broad temperature range and which are economical to prepare and use. In addition, stable aqueous spacer fluids are provided which are compatible with most other well treating fluids including drilling fluids and cement compositions and which efficiently remove filter cake from surfaces. The viscosity increasing components of the treating fluids as well as scrubbing agents, fluid loss control agents, weighting materials and other agents and materials used can be premixed into blends of solids suitable for use as direct additives to water to form the aqueous treating fluids thereby reducing mixing time and expense.

The aqueous well treating fluids of the present invention are basically comprised of water, a first hydratable polymer or mixture of polymers for increasing the viscosity of the fluids to a desired level at temperatures within a first lower range, e.g., from ambient temperatures to about 150° F., and a second hydratable polymer or polymers for maintaining the viscosity of the fluid at a desired level at temperatures within a second higher range, e.g., from about 150° F. to about 300° F. The treating fluids can include one or more other components such as fluid loss control additives, weighting materials, salts, scrubbing agents, etc.

The aqueous treating fluids of this invention are particularly suitable for use as spacer fluids. A preferred such spacer fluid is comprised of water, an angular particulate material for scrubbing surfaces, a first hydratable polymer for increasing the viscosity of the fluid at temperatures within a first lower range to a level whereby the angular particulate material is substantially suspended in the fluid and a second hydratable polymer for maintaining the viscosity of the fluid at a level whereby the angular particulate material is substantially suspended in the fluid at temperatures within a second higher range.

A variety of hydratable polymers can be utilized in the aqueous treating fluids of this invention including hydratable polysaccharides, hydratable polyacrylates, hydratable polyacrylamides, xanthan gum, and mixtures of such polymers. Hydratable polymers such as guar gum and derivatives thereof, cellulose and derivatives thereof and mixtures of such polymers are particularly suitable for increasing the viscosity of the fluids to a desired level at temperatures within a first lower range, i.e., from atmospheric temperature to about 150° F. Such polymers are immediately hydrated when mixed with water to form a gel, but the gel degrades or deteriorates at temperatures above about 150° F. whereby the viscosity of the fluid decreases.

Hydratable polymers such as locust bean gum are particularly suitable for extending the temperature range over which the viscosity of the treating fluid is maintained at a desired level in that they do not begin hydrating until reaching temperatures of about 150° F. and maintain viscosity at temperatures up to about 300° F.

A preferred aqueous well treating fluid of this invention which is viscosity stable over a broad temperature range is comprised of water, a hydratable polymer which increases the viscosity of the fluid at temperatures in the range of from atmospheric to about 150° F. selected from the group consisting of hydratable polysaccharides, hydratable polyacrylates, hydratable polyacrylamides, xanthan gum, and mixtures of such polymers present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 90 lbs/1000 gals. of water used, and a hydratable polymer which maintains the viscosity of the fluid at a desired level at temperatures in the range of from about 150° F. to about 300° F. such as locust bean gum and mixtures of such polymers present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.5 to about 40 lbs/1000 gals. of water used. Such fluid has an apparent viscosity in the range of from about 300 centipoises to about 10 centipoises over a temperature range of from atmospheric temperature to about 300° F. As stated above, the fluid can include a variety of other additives to achieve desired results.

A preferred aqueous spacer fluid of the present invention for use in treating a well is comprised of water, an angular particulate material for scrubbing surfaces in the well present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 100 to about 900 lbs/1000 gals. of water used, a hydratable polymer or polymers for increasing the viscosity of the fluid to a level whereby the angular particulate material is suspended therein at temperatures within a first lower range selected from the group consisting of hydratable polysaccharides, hydratable polyacrylates, hydratable polyacrylamides, xanthan gum, and mixtures of such polymers present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 90 lbs/1000 gals. of water used, and hydratable locust bean gum for maintaining the viscosity of the fluid at such level at temperatures within a second higher range present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.5 to about 40 lbs/1000 gals. of water used. Such spacer fluid is compatible with most other fluids used in treating wells, has a stable viscosity over a broad temperature range, and brings about better cleaning of well surfaces.

A variety of angular particulate materials can be utilized in the spacer fluid including, but not limited to, nut hulls, sand, perlite, flyash, coal, lignite, gelana, and mixtures of such materials. The angular particulate material utilized preferably has a specific gravity below about 2, and most preferably has a specific gravity within from about 80% to about 120% of the specific gravity of the aqueous spacer fluid.

The most preferred angular particulate scrubbing material for use in the aqueous spacer fluids of this invention is particulated nut hulls such as walnut hulls having a size distribution in the range such that a major portion of the material passes through a size 14 mesh screen (U.S. Sieve Series) and is retained on a size 20 mesh screen. Such material is readily suspended in the spacer fluids and brings about improved cleaning of surfaces within wells.

A more preferred aqueous spacer fluid which is particularly suitable as a spacer between drilling fluids and cement compositions is comprised of water, an angular particulate scrubbing material having a specific gravity below about 2 present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 150 to about 700 lbs/1000 gals. of water, a hydratable polymer for increasing the viscosity of the fluid at temperatures within the range of from atmospheric temperature to about 150° F. selected from the group consisting of guar gum and derivatives thereof, cellulose and derivatives thereof, and mixtures of such polymers present in said fluid in an amount in the range of from about 1.5 to about 75 lbs/1000 gals. of water and hydratable locust bean gum for maintaining the viscosity of the fluid at temperatures in the range of from about 150° F. to about 300° F. present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.75 to about 30 lbs/1000 gals. of water.

The most preferred aqueous spacer fluid of this invention is comprised of water, particulated walnut hulls having a size distribution in the range such that a major portion thereof passes through a size 14 mesh screen (U.S. Sieve Series) and is retained on a size 20 mesh screen present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 300 to about 510 lbs/1000 gals. of water, sodium carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 30 to about 51 lbs/1000 gals. of water, hydroxypropyl guar present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 15 to about 25 lbs/1000 gals. of water, and locust bean gum present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 15 to about 25 lbs/1000 gals. of water. The sodium carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxypropyl guar are hydrated at temperatures within the range of from atmospheric temperature to about 150° F. to impart a viscosity to the fluid in the range of from about 300 to about 10 centipoises. The locust bean gum does not hydrate until the fluid reaches a temperature of about 150° F. and imparts viscosity to the fluid at temperatures in the range of from about 150° F. to about 300° F. of from about 300 to about 10 centipoises.

In order for the angular particulate material utilized in the spacer fluid of this invention to move within the fluid while the fluid is flowing whereby surfaces are cleaned thereby, the viscosity of the fluid should be maintained at a level in the range of from that level required to suspend a substantial portion of the angular particulate material to a level about 20% thereabove. If the viscosity of the fluid is higher than about 20% above the viscosity required to suspend a substantial portion of the angular particulate material, the material is not capable of moving within the fluid in a manner whereby efficient cleaning of surfaces results.

The most preferred spacer fluid described above also preferably includes a thinner, dispersant and fluid loss control additive comprised of a mixture of 10% by volume polyvinyl pyrrolidone and 90% by volume of the sodium salt of napthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 30 to about 170 lbs/1000 gals. of water, and barium sulfate weighting material present in the fluid in an amount sufficient to increase the density thereof to from about 8.8 to about 22 lbs/gal. Generally, an amount of barium sulfate weighting material in the range of from about 500 to about 3800 lbs/1000 gals. of water used is sufficient for this purpose. The resulting spacer fluid is compatible with all commonly used drilling fluids and cement compositions, is economical to prepare and brings about improved cleaning of well surfaces.

As stated above, the components of the aqueous well treating fluids of this invention can be premixed to form a blend of solids suitable for use as a single additive to water to form the aqueous treating fluids. This is particularly advantageous in that the blend can be premixed, bagged and stored until used, and when used, added directly to water in a simple mixing operation. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the spacer fluid can be prepared "on the fly", i.e., continuously as the resulting aqueous treating fluid is introduced into a well bore, or the aqueous spacer fluid can be prepared and temporarily stored in truck tanks or other storage facilities until utilized. When the aqueous fluid is stored, some agitation is required to maintain solid materials in suspension.

A preferred blend of solids for use as an additive to water to form an aqueous spacer fluid is comprised of a first hydratable polymer selected from the group consisting of guar gum and derivatives thereof, cellulose and derivatives thereof and mixtures of such polymers present in the blend in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 10 parts by weight per 100 parts of blend, a second hydratable polymer such as locust bean gum and mixtures of such polymers present in the blend in an amount in the range of from about 0.1 to about 4 parts by weight per 100 parts of blend, particulate walnut hulls having a size distribution in the range such that a major portion thereof passes through a size 14 mesh screen (U.S. Sieve Series) ad is retained on a size 20 mesh screen present in the blend in an amount in the range of from about 5 to about 70 parts by weight per 100 parts of blend, barium sulfate present in the blend in an amount in the range of from about 5 to about 70 parts by weight per 100 parts of blend and a mixture of 10% by volume polyvinyl pyrrolidone and 90% by volume of the sodium salt of napthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde present in the blend in an amount in the range of from about 2 to about 12 parts by weight per 100 parts of blend. The foregoing blend can be added directly to water to form an aqueous spacer fluid, and if desired, additional barium sulfate can be combined therewith to increase the density of the fluid.

In carrying out cementing and other similar well operations using the aqueous spacer fluid of this invention, the spacer fluid is injected by conventional techniques, either down the casing to drive drilling fluid contained therein up and out of the bore hole by way of the annulus, or down the annulus to drive drilling fluid up the inside of the casing. A sufficient quantity of spacer fluid is employed to separate the drilling fluid from the cement composition whereby the cement composition does not become contaminated by the drilling fluid. As the spacer fluid is introduced into the well ahead of the cement composition, filter cake on surfaces in the well are scrubbed from the surfaces by the angular particulate material contained in the spacer fluid thereby further preventing contamination, etc.

Because the aqueous treating fluids of this invention utilize water or brine as the base fluid, utilize components which are relatively economical and can be premixed in a blend of solids and can be prepared in a simple one-step mixing operation, they are economical to prepare and use. In addition, the spacer fluids of this invention are compatible with all fluids commonly used in drilling and completing wells and bring about an improved cleaning of surfaces.

In order to further illustrate the aqueous treating fluids and methods of the present invention, the following examples are given.

EXAMPLE 1

Quantities of aqueous treating fluid of this invention are prepared by mixing the components in the amounts given below with water.

    ______________________________________                                         Component         Amount                                                       ______________________________________                                         Sodium                                                                         carboxymethylhydroxyethyl-                                                     cellulose         53.3 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                 Low residue hydroxypropyl guar                                                                   26.6 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                 Locust bean gum (175 mesh U.S.                                                 Sieve Series)     26.6 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                 Mixture                                                                        of 10% by volume polyvinyl                                                     pyrrolidone and 90% by volume                                                  sodium salt of naphthalene sul-                                                fonic acid condensed with                                                      formaldehyde      532.5 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                Barium sulfate    2289.7 lbs/1000 gals. of water                               ______________________________________                                    

Various quantities of various angular particulate materials are combined with the treating fluids and the resulting fluids are circulated with a centrifugal pump at a rate of approximately 3 gals/minute over drilling fluid filter cake for 5 minutes to determine the approximate amount of filter cake removed.

The filter cake is prepared by carrying out fluid loss tests on a drilling fluid in accordance with standard API methods. The filter cake produced is approximately 3/32 of an inch thick on filter paper. The filter paper is cut into portions measuring 0.875 inches by 2 inches and such portions are placed in a flow line parallel to the flow of treating fluid therethrough. The various aqueous treating fluids are flowed through the flow line for 2, 4, and 5 minutes and the removal of filter cake therefrom determined. The results of these tests are given in Table I below.

                                      TABLE I                                      __________________________________________________________________________     FILTER CAKE REMOVAL BY VARIOUS ANGULAR PARTICULATE MATERIAL                                           Size                                                                           Distribution                                                      Quantity     Screen Size                                             Angular Particulate                                                                      lbs/1000 Gals.                                                                         Specific                                                                            (U.S. Sieve Series)                                                                      % Filter Cake Removed                         Material Utilized                                                                        Water   Gravity                                                                             Passed                                                                              Retained                                                                            2 Min.                                                                             4 Min.                                                                             5 Min.                                                                             Remarks                           __________________________________________________________________________     Walnut Hulls                                                                             532.5   1.28  8   60   50  75  90  Particles Par-                                                                 tially Suspended                  Hemitite Ore                                                                             2103.3  5.02 30   PAN  85  95  98  Particles                                                                      Settled Rapidly                   Gilsonite 447.3   1.07  4   200  5   10  12  Particles                                                                      Floated to Top                    Perlite.sup.1                                                                            280.1   2.90 14   PAN  3   25  27  Particles                                                                      Floated to Top                    Sand      1091.6  2.63 20   40   2    5   8  Particles                                                                      Settled Extreme-                                                               ly Fast                           Sand      1091.6  2.63 40   60   2    4   7  Particles                                                                      Settled Extreme-                                                               Fast                              __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.1 67-75% by volume silicon dioxide, 10-20% by volume aluminum oxide,      2-4% by volume water.                                                    

EXAMPLE 2

The procedure described in Example 1 is repeated except that walnut hulls of various size distributions are utilized as the angular particulate material. The results of these tests are set forth in Table II below.

                  TABLE II                                                         ______________________________________                                         FILTER CAKE REMOVAL BY VARIOUS SIZES                                           OF PARTICULATED WALNUT HULLS                                                   Quantity of                                                                    Walnut Hulls                                                                            Size Distribution                                                                           % Filter                                                 Used     Screen Size (U.S.                                                                           Cake Removed                                             lbs/1000 Sieve Series)                                                                               2      4    5                                            gals. Water                                                                             Passed  Retained Min. Min. Min. Remarks                               ______________________________________                                         0        --      --       12   14   15   --                                    532.5     8      60       50   75   90   Particles                                                                      Partially                                                                      Suspended                             532.5     8      14       12   14   15   Particles                                                                      Settled                               532.5    14      18       50   85   98   Particles                                                                      Suspended                             532.5    18      20        5   10   25   Particles                                                                      Suspended                             532.5    20      40        8   15   35   Particles                                                                      Suspended                             ______________________________________                                    

From Tables I and II above it can be seen that walnut hulls which have a specific gravity below about 2 are readily suspended and efficiently remove filter cake, and further, that particulate walnut hulls having a size distribution in the range of from that which passes through a 14 mesh screen and is retained on an 18 mesh screen achieves the best filter cake removal.

EXAMPLE 3

The procedure of Example 1 is repeated except that particulate walnut hulls are utilized as the angular material and the low residue hydroxypropyl guar quantities in the aqueous fluids are increased by the amounts shown in Table III below. In addition, the apparent viscosities and yield points of the fluids are determined. The results of these tests are shown in Table III below.

Viscosity measurements are taken from a direct reading Model 35 FANN VG meter using a No. 2 spring. The apparent viscosity is in units of consistency which are approximately equal to centipoises and is calculated as one-half the reading at 600 rpm. Yield point is calculated as the difference between twice the 300 rpm reading and the 600 rpm reading and is an indicator of the attraction between particles in the fluid in pounds per 100 square feet.

                                      TABLE III                                    __________________________________________________________________________     FILTER CAKE REMOVAL BY PARTICULATE WALNUT HULLS USING                          INCREASING AMOUNTS OF HYDRATABLE POLYMER                                       Quantity of     Quantity of                                                    Particulate     Low Residue         Apparent                                   Walnut Hulls                                                                          Size Distribution,                                                                      Hydroxypropyl       Viscosity                                  Used,  Screen Size (U.S.                                                                       Guar In Fluid,      of Fluid,                                                                            Yield                                lbs/1000 gals.                                                                        Sieve Series)                                                                           lbs/1000 gals.                                                                         % Filter Cake Removed                                                                      Units of                                                                             Point, lbs/                          Water  Passed                                                                             Retained                                                                            Water   2 Min.                                                                             4 Min.                                                                             5 Min.                                                                             Consistency                                                                          100 sq. ft.                                                                          Remarks                        __________________________________________________________________________     532.5  8   60   66.6    50  75  90  43    34    Particles                                                                      Partially                                                                      Suspended                      532.5  8   60   79.9    3   5   10  73    72    Particles                                                                      Partially                                                                      Suspended                      532.5  8   60   93.2    1   3    4  92    102   Particles                                                                      Partially                                                                      Suspended                      __________________________________________________________________________

From Table III it can be seen that if the viscosity of the aqueous fluid is too high, the angular particulate material cannot move adequately with the fluid to effectively remove filter cake.

EXAMPLE 4

Quantities of aqueous spacer fluid of this invention, a typical drilling fluid and a typical cement composition are prepared using brine (18% by weight sodium chloride) as the base fluid. The components and amounts thereof in the fluids and composition are as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Aqueous Spacer Fluid                                                           Component         Amount                                                       ______________________________________                                         Sodium                                                                         carboxymethylhydroxyethyl-                                                     cellulose         55.6 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                                 Low residue hydroxypropyl guar                                                                   27.8 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                                 Locust bean gum (175 mesh)                                                                       27.8 lbs/1000 gals of brine                                  Mixture                                                                        of 10 % by volume polyvinyl                                                    pyrrolidone and 90% by volume                                                  sodium salt of naphthalene sul-                                                fonic acid condensed with                                                      formaldehyde      166.7 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                                Particulate walnut hulls                                                                         555.6 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                                Barium sulfate    4000.00 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                              ______________________________________                                    

The density of the aqueous spacer fluid is 12 lbs/gal.

    ______________________________________                                         Drilling Fluid                                                                 Component       Amount                                                         ______________________________________                                         Attapulgite     258.8 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                                  Starch          77.6 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                                   Barium sulfate  3079.7 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                                 ______________________________________                                    

The density of the drilling fluid is 11.5 lbs/gal.

    ______________________________________                                         Cement Composition                                                             Component        Amount                                                        ______________________________________                                         Lone Star Class H Cement                                                                        18076.9 lbs/1000 gals. of brine                               ______________________________________                                          The density of the cement composition is 15.9 lbs/gal.                   

The above-described drilling fluid is contaminated by combining various quantities of the aqueous spacer fluid therewith and the rheological properties of the contaminated drilling fluid determined. The results of these tests are given in Table IV below.

                  TABLE IV                                                         ______________________________________                                         Drilling Fluid Contaminated with Various                                       Quantities of Aqueous Spacer Fluid                                                          Temperature °F.                                                         72               150                                                           Percent Contamination by Volume                                                  0      10     30   50   100  100                                Apparent Viscosity (cp)                                                                       17     20     27   29   40   24                                 ______________________________________                                         600 Reading    34     40     54   58   80   48                                 300 Reading    30     26     32   38   54   32                                 200 Reading    26     20     22   28   42   22                                 100 Reading    22     14     28   18   27   14                                 6 Reading      14     7      6    6    6    4                                  3 Reading      12     6      4    5    5    3                                  Plastic Viscosity (cp)                                                                        4      14     22   20   26   16                                 Yield Point (lb/100 sq ft)                                                                    26     12     10   18   28   16                                 ______________________________________                                    

The aqueous spacer fluid is contaminated with cement composition by combining various quantities of cement composition therewith and the rheological properties of the contaminated aqueous treating fluid determined. The results of these tests are given in Table V below.

                  TABLE V                                                          ______________________________________                                         Aqueous Spacer Fluid Contaminated with Various                                 Quantities of Cement Composition                                                            Temperature °F.                                                         72               150                                                           Percent Contamination by Volume                                                  0      10     30   50   100  100                                Apparent Viscosity (cp)                                                                       82     84     90   86   74   30                                 ______________________________________                                         600 Reading    164    168    180  172  148  60                                 300 Reading    116    116    128  126  100  32                                 200 Reading    94     96     104  104  78   22                                 100 Reading    62     64     70   72   54   12                                 6 Reading      10     12     12   12   16   2                                  3 Reading      7      8      8    8    12   1                                  Plastic Viscosity (cp)                                                                        48     52     52   46   48   28                                 Yield Point (lb/100 sq ft)                                                                    68     64     76   80   52   4                                  ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 5

The procedure described in Example 4 above is repeated except that water containing potassium chloride in the amounts given below is utilized and the following aqueous treating fluid, drilling fluid and cement composition are used.

    ______________________________________                                         Aqueous Spacer Fluid                                                           Component          Amount                                                      ______________________________________                                         KCl                304.9 lbs/1000 gals. of water                               Sodium                                                                         carboxymethylhydroxyethyl-                                                     cellulose          58.1 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                Low residue hydroxypropyl guar                                                                    29.0 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                Locust bean gum (175 mesh)                                                                        29.0 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                Mixture                                                                        of 10% by volume polyvinyl                                                     pyrrolidone and 90% by volume                                                  sodium salt of napthalene sul-                                                 fonic acid condensed with                                                      formaldehyde       174.2 lbs/1000 gals. of water                               Particulate walnut hulls                                                                          580.7 lbs/1000 gals. of water                               Barium sulfate     580.7 lbs/1000 gals. of water                               ______________________________________                                    

The density of the aqueous spacer fluid is 12 lbs/gal.

    ______________________________________                                         Drilling Fluid                                                                 Component      Amount                                                          ______________________________________                                         KCl            284.1 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                   Attapulgite    324.7 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                   Starch         54.1 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                    Barium sulfate 4734.9 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                  ______________________________________                                    

The density of the drilling fluid is 11.5 lbs/gal.

    ______________________________________                                         Cement Composition                                                             Component        Amount                                                        ______________________________________                                         KCl              542.3 lbs/1000 gals. of water                                 Lone Star Class H cement                                                                        18076.9 lbs/1000 gals. of water                               ______________________________________                                    

The density of the cement composition of 15.6 lbs/gal.

The results of these tests are given in Tables VI and VII below.

                  TABLE VI                                                         ______________________________________                                         Drilling Fluid Contaminated with Various                                       Quantities of Aqueous Spacer Fluid                                                          Temperature °F.                                                         72               150                                                           Percent Contamination by Volume                                                  0      10     30   50   100  100                                Apparent Viscosity (cp)                                                                       31     28     28   32   40   28                                 ______________________________________                                         600 Reading   62      56     56   64   80   56                                 300 Reading   54      36     36   42   56   38                                 200 Reading   50      30     30   34   46   30                                 100 Reading   42      22     20   22   30   20                                 6 Reading     20      12     6    6    6    4                                  3 Reading     19      10     5    5    5    3                                  Plastic Viscosity (cp)                                                                       8       20     20   22   24   18                                 Yield Point (lb/100 sq ft)                                                                   46      16     16   20   32   20                                 ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE VII                                                        ______________________________________                                         Aqueous Spacer Fluid Contaminated with Various                                 Quantities of Cement Composition                                                            Temperature °F.                                                         72               150                                                           Percent Contamination by Volume                                                  0      10     30   50   100  100                                Apparent Viscosity (cp)                                                                       67     73     75   78   78   40                                 ______________________________________                                         600 Reading    134    146    150  156  156  80                                 300 Reading    96     90     110  111  104  46                                 200 Reading    79     92     92   90   80   32                                 100 Reading    54     68     64   62   56   20                                 6 Reading      12     14     14   12   8    3                                  3 Reading      6      10     10   8    6    2                                  Plastic Viscosity (cp)                                                                        38     56     40   45   52   34                                 Yield Point (lb/100 sq ft)                                                                    58     34     70   66   52   12                                 ______________________________________                                    

The measurements given in Tables IV, V, VI and VII above are taken from a direct reading Model 35 FANN VG meter using a No. 2 spring. The apparent viscosity is in units of consistency which are approximately equal to centipoises and is calculated as one-half the reading at 600 rpm. Plastic viscosity is calculated as the difference between 600 rpm and the 300 rpm readings. Yield point is calculated as the difference between twice the 300 rpm reading and the 600 rpm reading and is an indicator of the attraction between particles in the fluid in pounds per 100 square feet.

From Tables IV-VII above it can be seen that the aqueous spacer fluids of this invention can include either sodium chloride or potassium chloride and that the aqueous spacer fluids have good compatibility with drilling fluids and cement compositions containing sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

EXAMPLE 6

A blend of spacer fluid solids is prepared as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                            Amount (Parts by weight per                                 Component          100 parts of blend)                                         ______________________________________                                         Sodium                                                                         carboxymethylhydroxyethyl-                                                     cellulose          4                                                           Low residue hydroxpropyl guar                                                                     2                                                           Locust Bean Gum (175 mesh)                                                                        2                                                           Mixture                                                                        of 10% by volume polyvinyl                                                     pyrrolidone and 90% by volume                                                  sodium salt of napthalene                                                      sulfonic acid condensed with                                                   formaldehyde       12                                                          Particulate walnut hulls                                                       (-14 mesh + 18 mesh)                                                                              40                                                          Barium sulfate     40                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The above blend of solids is mixed with various quantities of water and additional barium sulfate to produce aqueous spacer fluids of various densities. The rheological properties of each of the fluids at various temperatures are determined in accordance with the procedure described in Example 4 above. The results of these tests are given in Table VIII below.

                                      TABLE VIII                                   __________________________________________________________________________     RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF AQUEOUS SPACER FLUIDS OF VARIOUS                     __________________________________________________________________________     DENSITIES                                                                      Density of Fluid                                                                           8.79         10.0         15.0         20.0                        Lbs. of Solids                                                                 Blend per 1000                                                                 Gals. Water                                                                    Used        1266.5       1331.2       1411.0       1102.3                      Additional                                                                     Barium Sulfate                                                                 Added, lbs/                                                                    1000 Gals.                                                                     Water Used  0            66           346          630                         Temperature, °F.                                                                    72 120                                                                               150                                                                               190 72 120                                                                               150                                                                               190 72 120                                                                               150                                                                               190 72 130                                                                               150                                                                               190                Apparent                                                                       Viscosity (cp)                                                                             33 23 22 19  43 29 28 28  122                                                                               89 74 70  264                                                                               156                                                                               142                                                                               130                __________________________________________________________________________     600 rpm Reading                                                                            65 46 43 38  86 56 56 56  244                                                                               177                                                                               147                                                                               140 528                                                                               312                                                                               284                                                                               260                300 rpm Reading                                                                            44 31 28 27  60 36 36 37  165                                                                               116                                                                               97 92  320                                                                               186                                                                               170                                                                               160                200 rpm Reading                                                                            34 24 22 19  46 30 28 29  133                                                                               88 73 69  240                                                                               148                                                                               138                                                                               120                100 rpm Reading                                                                            22 15 14 12  32 20 18 17  86 55 46 43  144                                                                               84 78 74                 6 rpm Reading                                                                              3  2  2  2   6  4  4  4   12 7  5  6   9  12 12 12                 3 rpm Reading                                                                              2  1  1  1   4  2  3  3   8  4  3  3   6  8  8  8                  Plastic Viscosity (cp)                                                                     21 15 15 11  26 20 20 19  79 61 50 48  208                                                                               126                                                                               114                                                                               100                Yield Point (lbs/100                                                           sq. ft.)    23 16 13 16  34 16 16 18  86 55 47 44  112                                                                               60 56 60                 __________________________________________________________________________

From Table VIII it can be seen that the aqueous spacer fluids of this invention have good rheological properties over a broad temperature range. 

What is claimed is:
 1. In a method of introducing a treating fluid into a well separated from an incompatible fluid therein by a spacer fluid, the improvement comprising:introducing the treating fluid into the well preceded by an aqueous spacer fluid having a stable viscosity over a broad temperature range comprising:water; a first hydratable polymer for increasing the viscosity of said spacer fluid to a desired level at temperatures within a first lower range wherein said first hydratable polymer is selected from the group consisting of guar gum and derivatives thereof, cellulose and derivatives thereof and mixtures of such polymers; and a second hydratable polymer comprising locust bean gum for maintaining the viscosity of said spacer fluid at said desired level at temperatures within a second higher range.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said spacer fluid is further characterized to include an angular particulate material for scrubbing surfaces in said well.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said spacer fluid is further characterized to include a weighting material to increase the density thereof.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein said spacer fluid is further characterized to include a fluid loss control additive therein.
 5. In a method of introducing a cement composition into a well containing a drilling fluid incompatible with the cement composition wherein the cement composition and drilling fluid are separated by a spacer fluid compatible with both, the improvement comprising:introducing an aqueous spacer fluid into the well between the cement composition and the drilling fluid comprised of:water; an angular particulate material for scrubbing surfaces in said well; a first hydratable polymer for increasing the viscosity of said spacer fluid at temperatures within a first lower range to a level whereby said angular particulate material is substantially suspended in said fluid; and a second hydratable polymer for maintaining the viscosity of said spacer fluid at a level whereby said angular particulate material is substantially suspended in said fluid at temperatures within a second higher range.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein said first and second hydratable polymers are selected from the group consisting of hydratable polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, hydratable polyacrylamides, hydratable polyacrylates, xanthan gum and mixtures of such polymers.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said angular particulate material is selected from the group consisting of nut hulls, sand, perlite, flyash, coal, lignite, gelana and mixtures of such materials.
 8. The method of claim 5 wherein said first hydratable polymer is selected from the group consisting of guar gum and derivatives thereof, cellulose and derivatives thereof and mixtures of such polymers present in said spacer fluid in an amount in the range of from about 30 to about 51 lbs/1000 gals. of water.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said second hydratable polymer is locust bean gum present in said spacer fluid in an amount in the range of from about 15 to about 25 lbs/1000 gals. of water.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said angular particulate material has a specific gravity below about
 2. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said angular particulate material is nut hulls having a size distribution in the range such that a major portion of said material passes through a size 14 mesh screen (U.S. Sieve Series) and is retained on a size 20 mesh screen, present in said spacer fluid in an amount in the range of from about 300 to about 510 lbs/1000 gals. of water.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said hydratable polymers are present in said spacer fluid in amounts such that the viscosity of said fluid is maintained at a level within the range of from that level required to suspend a substantial portion of said angular particulate material to a level about 20% thereabove.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said spacer fluid is further characterized to include a weighting material to increase the viscosity thereof.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein said weighting material is barium sulfate present in said spacer fluid in an amount in the range of from about 500 to about 3800 lbs/1000 gals. of water.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein said spacer fluid is further characterized to include at least one fluid loss control additive therein.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the fluid loss control additive in said spacer fluid is a mixture of 10% by volume polyvinyl pyrrolidone and 90% by volume of the sodium salt of napthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde present in said fluid in an amount in the range of from about 30 to about 170 lbs/1000 gals. of water.
 17. In a method of introducing a cement composition into a well containing drilling fluid incompatible with said cement composition wherein said cement composition and drilling fluid are separated by a spacer fluid compatible with both, the improvement comprising:introducing an aqueous spacer fluid into the well between the cement composition and drilling fluid comprised of:water; an angular particulate material having a specific gravity below about 2 and a size distribution in the range such that a major portion of said material passes through a size 14 mesh screen (U.S. Sieve Series) and is retained on a size 20 mesh screen present in said spacer fluid in an amount in the range of from about 300 to about 500 lbs/1000 gals. of water; sodium carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose present in said fluid in an amount in the range of from about 30 to about 51 lbs/1000 gals. of water; hydroxypropyl guar present in said fluid in an amount in the range of from about 15 to about 25 lbs/1000 gals. of water; and locust bean gum present in said fluid in an amount in the range of from about 15 to about 25 lbs/1000 gals. of water.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the angular particulate material is particulate walnut hulls.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said spacer fluid is further characterized to include a fluid loss control additive comprised of a mixture of 10% polyvinyl pyrrolidone and 90% by volume of the sodium salt of napthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde present in said fluid in an amount in the range of from about 30 to about 170 lbs/1000 gals of water.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein said spacer fluid is further characterized to include barium sulfate weighting material present in said fluid in an amount in the range of from about 500 to about 3800 lbs/1000 gals. of water. 